Vehicles play a vital role in ensuring the efficient movement of goods and people. From huge freight trucks, buses and cars to bikes, these vehicles form the backbone of modern infrastructure.
While vehicles make our daily commute easier, they are also responsible for increasing air pollution. Hence, to curb air pollution, PUC certificates have become a mandatory requirement for all types of vehicles, including two-wheelers.
Obtaining a PUC certificate is mandatory just as a driving licence and two wheeler insurance. However, having adequate insurance is also equally important. Hence, having both, appropriate IDV in bike insurance and a valid PUC certificate is essential.
Moreover, a valid PUC is also a requirement when renewing your bike insurance plan.
What Is a PUC Certificate?
The main sources of environmental pollution today are vehicles. The harmful substances emitted by cars, bikes, and scooters are hazardous to human health.
One such solution is monitoring environmental safety of vehicles. In this regard, a PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate has been made mandatory for every vehicle that is in use.
Every vehicle, from bikes to cars, must be accompanied by a PUC Certificate that confirms its compliance with existing environmental safety principles.
A PUC document contains:
- Registration no. of your vehicle
- The date your vehicle was tested
- The validity of said Certificate and its serial number
As it can be noticed, the PUC Certificate holds a significant value with reference to the vehicle. Without it, you will not be allowed to drive your vehicle, and if you do so, you will have to face a penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act.
What’s more is that this penalty can vary from state to state, however, in case you are held by the police for the first time, you will have to pay ₹1000.
Why is it Necessary to Get a PUC Certificate for Your Bike?
- No one wants to encounter a situation where they have to pay fines or penalties, especially while driving. To avoid this, it’s essential to obtain or update your PUC certificate without fail.
- Besides all this, a PUC Certificate is also considered to be a great helper in maintaining your vehicle’s health, thanks to regular checks that are performed at the time of its issuance.
- PUC-certified vehicles also save fuel, produce fewer emissions, and have a reduced environmental impact.
Why a PUC Certificate Is Needed in Bike Policy Renewal?
According to the IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority), it is compulsory for a vehicle to have a PUC Certificate at the time of buying or renewing two wheeler insurance.
In case of an accident, if the vehicle does not have a valid PUC certificate, the insurance company might reject or reduce the claim amount. Therefore, maintaining a valid PUC certificate ensures that you are covered fully by your insurance.
Getting a PUC Certificate is not a one-time event. Regular conduction of this test is essential for maintaining compliance with legal requirements and bike insurance renewal without any issues.
Having a valid PUC certificate makes the process of renewing your bike insurance straightforward and hassle-free.
The aim of this requirement is to encourage people to keep their vehicle’s environmental impact within acceptable limits and to phase out highly polluting vehicles over time.
How to Apply for a PUC Certificate
Selecting an Authorised PUC Certificate Center:
Choose an authorised inspection centre to perform emission testing and ensure compliance with local emission standards. Make sure they follow established protocols.
Emission Testing:
The centre will conduct an emission test to check the levels of pollutants your bike emits.
Address Non-Compliance Issues:
If the inspection reveals violations, address them promptly.
Request for Certification:
Show the necessary documentation to the authority for certification.
Issuance of the Certificate:
After passing the inspection, you will receive a certificate of PUC for the bike. This certificate will serve as a proof that your bike’s emissions are under the limit.
Validity of a Bike PUC Certificate
The usual time period for which a PUC Certificate is considered valid is 1 year. Completion of one year marks the expiry of the PUC Certificate. Moreover, for its renewal you need to visit an authorised PUC centre.
Conclusion
By getting a PUC Certificate you will not only comply with regulations but also improve the well-being of other drivers, passengers, and road users by being environmentally responsible.
Your PUC Certificate will also help you purchase and renew your two-wheeler insurance. Regularly updating your PUC certificate is essential to avoid fines, ensure full insurance coverage, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
